Network codes

They regulate aspects of connection, operation and electricity market.

What are grid codes?

Grid codes regulate how different installations within the electricity system connect, operate, and participate in the electricity market.

These codes are developed from European regulations with the aim of harmonising and integrating the electricity market in Europe.

How are grid codes structured?

Grid codes are grouped into three main blocks:

1. Connection grid codes

These define the technical requirements that must be met by installations for:

• Electricity generation.
• Demand.
• High-voltage direct current (HVDC) systems.

In this section, you can consult the applicable European regulations on grid connection.

1. Network code on requirements for grid connection of generators (Regulation UE/2016/631)
2. Network Code on Demand Connection (Regulation UE/2016/1388)
3. Network code on requirements for grid connection of high voltage direct current systems and direct current-connected power park modules (Regulation UE/2016/1447)

 

2. System operation grid codes

These establish the criteria for the operation and security of the electricity supply, guaranteeing the safe and coordinated functioning of the grid.

1. Guideline on the transmission system operation (Regulation UE/2017/1485)
2. Network code on electricity emergency and restoration (Regulation UE/2017/2196)

 

3. Market grid codes

These regulate the functioning of the internal electricity market, including capacity allocation and congestion management.

1. Guideline on capacity allocation and congestion management (Regulation UE/2015/1222)
2. Guideline on forward capacity allocation (Regulation UE/2016/1719)
3. Guideline on electricity balancing (Regulation UE/2017/2195)

 

National implementation in Spain

Some aspects of the grid codes must be specified at a national level.

In Spain, this process is carried out with the participation of the:

• Transmission system operator.
• Distribution system operators.
• Competent Ministry.
• National Commission on Markets and Competition (CNMC).
• Generators, consumers, and other sector agents.

 

National implementation process

Since 2016, specific working groups have been defining the national technical requirements associated with grid codes.

National implementation is formalised through specific regulations, such as:

• Royal Decrees (Royal Decree 647/2020, of 7 July)
• Ministerial Orders (Order TED/749/2020, of 16 July)

 

Technical supervision and commissioning standards

Grid operators publish the Technical Conformity Supervision Standards (NTS).
These standards allow the owners of power-generating modules to request the Final Operational Notification (FON).

1. Technical Standard of Conformity Supervision for Generators
2. Technical Standard of Conformity Supervision for SENP Generators

If you have any questions about these standards, you can contact us via the email address to ntsconsultas@aelec.es

 

Commissioning procedures

Below, you can consult the commissioning procedures for new power-generating modules: